How Can We Help?
The goal of Palliative Care is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. It is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers and other specialists who work with the patient's existing doctors. Palliative Medicine of Acadiana is an extra layer of support that can provide information, guidance and support for complex situations and decisions. Palliative Care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and can be provided together with curative treatment.
Clinical Navigator
Do you need help navigating the healthcare system?
Our Clinical Navigators understand the healthcare system, understand how to navigate serious illness, know how to find service providers, facilitate advance-care planning, and provide resources to assist patients, families and caregivers.
Non-Clinical Navigator
Do you need an advocate to help prioritize your wellbeing?
A Non-Clinical Navigator addresses the social determinants of the patient and the caregiver to assure access to quality healthcare and quality of life.
Telehealth Appointments
Do you need a faster way to get help and respond to issues?
Telehealth Appointment provides real-time communication between the patient and the provider to allow for treatment in a timely manner.
When Is Palliative Care Appropriate?
Two or more hospital admissions for the same diagnosis within three (3) months – or - three (3) or more hospital admissions in the last 12 months. (Typical diagnoses include: CHF, COPD, ESRD, CVA, Cancer, Dementia and recurring infections.).
Persistent, troublesome symptoms despite optimal treatment of underlying conditions.
Significant weight loss of 5-10% over the past 3-6 months and/or a low body mass index.
Major function change; ambulation with walker only, wheel-chair bound.
Patient or family concern regarding advanced disease progression/death and/or no knowledge of Advanced Directive.
Patient is a full code with overall poor prognosis.
Patient or family requests Palliative Care consultation.
Understanding Palliative Care
Supports people holistically: medically, physically, emotionally and socially
Evaluates situation from multiple angles for best possible treatment
Helps coordinate patient's care and navigates a complex medical system
Palliative consultations and treatments are often covered by insurance